Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was released in 2007, directed by David Yates and based on the novel of the same name by J.K. Rowling. The film follows Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe, and his friends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) as they navigate the challenges of their fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Summary
The story resumes with Harry and his cousin, Dudley, facing an attack by Dementors in Little Whinging, leading to his trial at the Ministry of Magic for using magic outside Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Despite the animosity of the Ministry, headed by Cornelius Fudge, Harry is acquitted, largely due to the influence of Dumbledore.
Back at Hogwarts, Harry, along with his close friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, confronts the appointment of Professor Umbridge as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and High Inquisitor. Umbridge’s tyrannical rule suppresses any acknowledgement of Lord Voldemort’s return, a truth that Harry vehemently tries to disseminate among his disbelieving peers. Harry is reprimanded in Umbridge’s office where he is given detention and a quill and told to write “I will not tell lies” repeatedly. This oppressive environment leads to the formation of “Dumbledore’s Army,” a secret group led by Harry to teach his fellow students defensive magic.
The story introduces Luna Lovegood and expands the roles of Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom, showcasing the growing resistance among the students. The plot thickens with the revelation of a prophecy concerning Harry and Voldemort, housed in the Department of Mysteries. This prophecy becomes a central plot point, driving much of the action.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society formed to combat Voldemort and his Death Eaters, operates from Sirius Black’s family home at Grimmauld Place. Key members include Remus Lupin, Mad-Eye Moody, Tonks, and Sirius Black, Harry’s godfather. The narrative also explores the strained relationship between Harry and his cousin Dudley, as well as his tense interactions with his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia.
Throughout the story, Harry grapples with various challenges: Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape to shield his mind from Voldemort, the complex dynamics of the Order of the Phoenix, and the growing threat of the Death Eaters. Key figures such as Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy also emerge as enemies.
The conflict escalates with an epic confrontation at the Ministry, involving the death of a major character, leading to the exposure of Voldemort’s return to the wizarding world. The film also touches on the mystical aspects of the Harry Potter universe, featuring Thestrals, magical creatures visible only to those who have witnessed death.
In addition, there are various subplots involving Hagrid and his half-brother Grawp, the struggles of the Weasley twins Fred and George against Umbridge’s regime, and the intricacies of life at Hogwarts, including the Gryffindor Quidditch team and the tensions between different student houses. The story also explores the awkwardness of adolescent relationships, illustrated in Harry’s interactions with Cho Chang.
The Malfoys
Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) and his father, Lucius (Jason Isaacs) play important roles as characters that represent the dark and oppressive forces that the Order of the Phoenix must face. Draco, a member of the Slytherin house, often exhibits cruel and arrogant behavior toward other students, particularly toward Harry Potter. In this film, his character becomes more complex as he struggles to fulfill the expectations of his family and the larger Death Eater organization, while also grappling with his own doubts and fears.
Throughout Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Draco becomes increasingly isolated and conflicted as he becomes embroiled in a dangerous mission assigned to him by his father. Despite his initial reluctance, he ultimately succumbs to the pressure and aligns himself with the Death Eaters, serving as a key figure in their plans to infiltrate Hogwarts.
Meanwhile, Draco’s father, Lucius Malfoy, emerges as a menacing and powerful enemy. As a high-ranking Death Eater and supporter of Lord Voldemort, he exerts his influence over the Hogwarts Board of Governors and manipulates events to further his own interests. He is seen as a cold and calculating figure, willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals, including using his own son as a pawn.
Severus Snape: Friend or Foe
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Professor Severus Snape (Alan Rickman), a long-standing character in the Harry Potter series, continues to play a pivotal role in the story’s development. As the Potions Master at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Severus Snape has a complicated relationship with Harry.
Throughout the film, Snape’s storyline is primarily focused on his interactions with Harry and his ongoing loyalty to the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort. Snape’s history with Voldemort and his Death Eater followers is revealed in previous installments, and his allegiance is always in question.
In this film, Harry suspects that Snape is secretly teaching his fellow Death Eaters at Hogwarts, and Snape’s behavior seems to confirm this suspicion. Snape is frequently hostile towards Harry, criticizing him in front of his classmates and generally making his life difficult.
However, it is later revealed that Snape is, in fact, working as a double agent for the Order of the Phoenix. Snape’s true allegiance is concealed to protect him from Voldemort’s wrath and to gather vital intelligence to aid in the fight against the dark wizard.
Snape’s arc also includes his growing conflict with the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Dolores Umbridge. Snape is deeply suspicious of Umbridge and her methods, as she begins to take control of Hogwarts and implement authoritarian policies. Snape’s dislike of Umbridge puts him at odds with her and causes him to act in ways that are unexpected to both Harry and the audience.
Battle of Hogwarts
Rubeus Hagrid is a beloved character in the Harry Potter series, known for his gentle nature, loyalty, and love for magical creatures. Hagrid plays an important role in the Battle of Hogwarts, a pivotal moment in the series. The Battle of Hogwarts is the final confrontation between the forces of good, led by Harry Potter, and the forces of evil, led by Lord Voldemort. Hagrid is a member of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society dedicated to fighting Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
In the lead-up to the battle, Hagrid is tasked with bringing the giants over to the side of the Order. Despite being injured in the process, Hagrid succeeds in convincing the giants to join the fight against Voldemort.
Despite his heroic efforts, Hagrid is eventually overpowered by Voldemort’s forces. He is captured and taken prisoner, along with other members of the Order. However, Hagrid’s bravery inspires others to continue fighting, and his eventual release is a key turning point in the battle.
In the end, the Battle of Hogwarts is won by the forces of good, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Hagrid and the other members of the Order of the Phoenix. Hagrid’s unwavering dedication to the cause make him one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter series.
Locations
The film’s production was primarily based at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire, England. The studio was also used for the previous Harry Potter films and was converted from an old aircraft factory specifically for the franchise. Additionally, location shooting took place in Scotland, with some scenes being shot in London, Edinburgh and Glencoe.
The film’s director, David Yates, brought a unique vision to the franchise, building upon the work of previous directors while also infusing the movie with his own style. He skillfully balances the darker and more serious tone of the story with moments of humor and heart.
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